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The following biographies are of outstanding and important people in the early years of New Sewickley Township. They all have contributed to the establishment and growth of the township.
George H. Alstadt was born September 3,1831 in Germany, the son of John and Elizabeth Alstadt. He imigrated to America in 1857, residing in Pittsburgh. In 1859 he married Elizabeth Peter, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Peter, Mrs. Alstadt was born March 22, 1828.
George was by trade a blacksmith, but upon moving to Beaver County he engaged in farming, owning 43 acres. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Alstadt: Mary E., Sophia C., George H., Minnie E., and Margaret.
He served his country in the Civil War in Company 6, 5th heavy artillery, and was in several engagements. The Alstadts were members of the Lutheran Church. In politics, he was a Republican.
Timothy Arthur was the author of more than 100 volumes of domestic affairs, moral toned stories, and short tales. "Ten Nights in a Barroom" and "Three Years in a Montrap" are the best known of his writings. He was one of the greatest authors of his time.
Mr. Arthur would often travel through New Sewickley Township on his way to Rochester.
Robert Baker was born in Beaver County, December 17, 1822. He was the son of Charles and Elsie Baker.
Robert was united in marriage September 25, 1849, with Susanna Romigh. She was born July 5,1828 in Washington County to Elijah and Mary Romigh.
The children of this marriage were: Ann, Mary, Charles, John, Alice, Robert, Elijah and Oliver.
Mr. Baker was a farmer all his life and owned about 110 acres.
The Bakers were members of the Presbyterian Church. He was a Democrat and held office of school director.
Samuel Burns, the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Burns, was born near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He remained in Pittsburgh where he taught the farming trade. In young manhood he moved to Beave rCounty, where he settled in Brush Creek Valley in New Sewickley Township. There he purchased additional land until owning 300 acres. He married Ruth Shanor and shared happy memories with the following children: David, Coston, James, and Mary. One child died in infancy.
Coston Burns, son of Samuel and Ruth (Shanor) Burns, was born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. He also was a farmer, and after his marriage, lived in New Sewickley Township. He then moved to Lawrence County, where he bought a farm of 125 acres in Wayne Township.